Name: Denver (Western) Omelet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 Large Eggs; 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream; 1 teaspoon Water; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1/2 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper; 1/2 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper; 1/2 cup Diced White Onion; 1/2 cup Diced Ham Steak; 3/4 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 tablespoon Butter (Unsalted); 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper; 1/4 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper; 1/4 cup Diced White Onion; 1/4 cup Diced Ham Steak; 3 Medium Eggs; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1/4 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

This classic, delicious Denver omelet holds up to a variety of occasions: weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, breakfast-for-dinner – you name it! It contains a few well-known and easy to source ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes. While this recipe doesn’t boast a long ingredients list, it’s packed with flavor. Try it out today! Hungry for more breakfast recipes? Try these out:

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Denver omelet plated with strawberries and arugula. Orange juice and bell peppers are in the background. Omelet is topped with jalapeno, diced red bell pepper, and sour cream. — Classic Denver Omelet

Peace, family.

We all love classic, tried and true, impossible to ruin recipes, and this Denver omelet is just that! There’s a lot to love: fluffy, perfectly cooked eggs, delicious bell pepper and onion, ham -of course- and my personal favorite, craveable melted cheese. My heart skips a beat at the mere thought. Dramatic? Yes. But do I really mean it? Absolutely.

Although incredibly simple to make at home, at the mention of a Denver omelet my mind immediately floats to charming old diners and even larger breakfast chains such as IHOP. The types of places I frequented with family on cross-country road trips in my youth and with college friends during late-night/early-morning adventures.

We’re not here to listen to me wax poetic about the days of yore, so let’s explore some details about this omelet.

Are Denver Omelets Keto-Friendly?

This omelete is absolutely low-carb and keto-friendly.

How Many Carbs are in a Denver Omelet?

It contains 7 grams of carbohydrates 1 of which is fiber. That leaves you with a net carb count of 6 grams. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle then this is definitely the recipe for you!

How Many Calories are in a Denver Omelet?

This omelet contains roughly 429 calories. Of course, this does not account for any add-ons or toppings that you may desire such as salsa or sour cream. I’ve even taken the liberty of adding this recipe to MyFitnessPal so that you can quickly and easily log it, if you’re into doing that.

What is the Difference Between a Denver Omelet and Western Omelet?

Zilth. Nada. Nothing. These terms can be used interchangeably and are often used to describe the same recipe.

Where Does the Term Denver Omelet Come From?

The origins of the denver omelet is inexorably linked to the Western Omlette. Originating alongside the transcontinental railroad, with Chinese cooks and workers originally as a sandwich, intent on being an easily transportable egg foo yong. Eventually as other portions of the railroad were completed, the sandwich lost its bread, and picked up the “Denver” moniker; an homage to the bustling city.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

To make this recipe, you will need the following:

Butter (Unsalted)
Diced Green Bell Pepper
Diced Red Bell Pepper
Diced White Onion

White onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper (chopped).

Diced Ham Steak

Cubed ham steak on a white plate. — Diced/Cubed Ham Steak

Medium Eggs

Three large brown eggs next to a whisk. — Large Brown Eggs

Kosher Salt
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper
Onion Powder
Smoked Paprika
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese with grater in background. — Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

How to Make this Omelet

Start by sauteeing the diced bell peppers, diced onion, and diced ham steak in butter until the vegetables are translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Onions, peppers, and ham steak sauteeing in a nonstick pan. — Sauteed onions, peppers, and ham steak.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs. Pour into nonstick skillet over medium heat.

QUICK TIP: If you accidentally get small fragments of egg shell into your bowl, check this article out for tips on how to remove them.

Allow the eggs to begin to slightly firm around the edges, then add the seasonings.

Top half of the egg mixutre with shredded cheddar, and the other half with the bell pepper, onion, and ham mixture. Once the egg has complete cooked (about five minutes) fold the omelet over with the cheddar side on the top half. Refer to the photo below..

Omelet in progress cooking in a nonstick pan. — Left side – melted cheddar. Right side- sauteed onions, peppers, and ham steak.

Denver Omelet in Muffin Tins

Denver omelet muffin in baking cup. — Denver omelet muffin.

If you’re looking for an even easier way to enjoy these flavors,then you’re in luck. I’ve included instructions in the recipe card for Denver omelet muffins. These muffins are great for feeding a crowd, meal prep, and even freezing for later.

Denver omelet muffins topped with diced peppers. — Denver Omelet Muffins

Can this Omelet Be Reheated?

This omelet can be reheated, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. I recommend reheating for a few minutes in the oven, as the microwave can cause eggs to become rubbery.

What to serve alongside Omelets

Denver omelet on white plate alongside fresh strawberries and arugula. Topped with fresh jalapeno, diced peppers, and sour cream. — Classic Denver Omelet

Toast/Crusty Bread – If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, I particularly enjoy Sola brand bread.
Fruit Salad
Hash Browns
Roasted Potatoes
Fresh Greens – spinach, arugula

Topping Suggestions

Fresh Jalapenos
Additional Peppers/Onions
Salsa
Sour Cream

As usual, try this recipe out and let me know what you think. When you make it, be sure to snap a quick pic and tag me on Instagram. While you’re there, join the family. I’d absoutely love to see you around (and brag a bit about your kitchen skills.)

Peace,

Adri

Can’t make this delicious Denver Omelet right now? I understand. Sometimes you just don’t have all of the ingredients yet. Save it to your favorite Pinterest board for later so that you don’t lose it.

This classic, delicious Denver omelet holds up to a variety of occasions: weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, breakfast-for-dinner - you name it! It contains a few well-known and easy to source ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes. While this recipe doesn’t boast a long ingredients list, it’s packed with flavor.

1 Omelet